This spring the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will host four Wildflower Tours on the Hanford Reach National Monument's Rattlesnake Unit. The three-hour guided bus tours will travel the base of Rattlesnake Mountain learning about shrub-steppe wildflowers and, weather permitting, will explore the plants at the top of Rattlesnake Mountain. Seating is limited to 20 registrants per tour and will be filled through an online, first-come, first-served registration.

The tours will stop at sites on the 'lowlands' in the Arid Lands Ecology Reserve and on the top of Rattlesnake Mountain—weather permitting—in order to see the full range of flowers on the Monument.

Chelan

Wenatchee Public Library

The entry way display case will feature a selection of books and tools for the appreciation of native plants, including field guides, sketch books, cameras, hand lenses and other accoutrements for botany trips.

This joint WNPS and Chelan-Douglas Land Trust walk will explore spring wildflowers at the Land Trust’s Sam Hill property, which is located outside of Leavenworth on the slopes above Icicle Creek. Even though the two-mile route is short, the terrain is rugged and suited only for people comfortable with off-trail travel.

For more information call the Land Trust office at (509) 667-9708. Limit 12. Leaders: Ann and Don Schaechtel

Notes

Wear hiking boots, bring water and snacks, and dress for the weather.

Saddle Rock Ramble

Join Julie Sanderson to celebrate Native Plant Appreciation Week with a slow ramble along the trails at Saddle Rock. We will be looking at some of our favorite native plants, as well as a few exotic invaders.

Join Don Schaechtel for an after-dinner wildflower walk to see what is blooming at the Ski Hill. This trip is suitable for families and anyone interested in learning about native plants in the upper valley.

Clallam

Natural Landscaping Course

Conservation District manager Joe Holtrop will provide instruction on how to design and install a sustainable landscape that will work for you and the environment. Using Permaculture design principles, you will learn how to evaluate the unique site conditions of your property, prepare a landscape plan suited to those conditions, and develop a strategy for implementing your plan.

Learn how to identify over 25 native trees and shrubs while hiking about two miles of trails near the Dungeness Wildlife Refuge. Information about environmental and wildlife habitat benefits of each species and tips on how to design a natural landscape will be provided.

Clark

Lacamas Prairie Natural Area Visit

Visit the newly created Lacamas Prairie Natural Area which is home to several rare plants and an Oregon white oak/ Oregon ash forest. This site, protects the largest remnant of Willamette Valley wet prairie in the state and the largest known population of the federally endangered Bradshaw's Lomatium in the world. Other rare plants protected include, Oregon coyote-thistle (Eryngium petiolatum), Hall's aster (Aster hallii), Dense sedge (Carex densa), Nuttall's quillwort (Isoetes nuttallii),Small-flowered trillium (Trillium parviflorum).We'll also watch for birds including the rare slender-billed nuthatch. This walk will be led by Lynn Cornelius, habitat restoration coordinator for the Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge.

Sponsor

Washington State Department of Natural Resources

Date & Time

Saturday, April 27, 2013; 9:00 am to noon

Location

Meet just north of the intersection of Goodwin and Ingles road near the Green Mountain Golf Course, north of Camas Washington. We'll meet on the west side of Ingles road at a cable gate.

Douglas

Franklin

Juniper Dunes Wilderness Area Hike

This wilderness area is a fascinating 7,140 acre preserve of sand dunes in Franklin County owned and managed by the Bureau of Land Management. You will see aged specimens of western junipers in this northern most location of their range. A few barren mounds of shifting sand are present, but most dunes are carpeted with sagebrush, wild rye grass, Indian rice grass, and an assortment of such desert flowers as phlox, larkspur, and blue-eyed Marys. We'll also find a few small species of cactus including prickly pear and Simson's hedgehog cactus.

Sponsor

Columbia Basin Chapter, WNPS

Date & Time

Saturday, April 27, 2013; 8:00 am

Location

Meet at the Columbia Basin College, Pasco

Front parking lot, 1st entrance off of N. 20th Ave.

Contact

Ernie Crediford, 509-460-9057 for additional information

Notes

Pack lunch and water. Group should be back by 3:00 pm

Kahlotus Ridgetop National Natural Landmark and Devil’s Canyon. Normally closed to the public, you’ll get to see a remnant of the Palouse grassland at Kahlotus Ridgetop NNL. Then you’ll drive through Devil’s Canyon to look at striking geologic formations and the plants that might be growing there

Sponsor

Columbia Basin Chapter, WNPS

Date & Time

Saturday, May 11, 2013 9:00am-4:00pm

Location

Meet in Pasco at the Columbia Basin College parking lot across from the Red Lion at 9 AM, expect to be back around 4.

Contact

Ernie Crediford, 509-460-9057 for additional information

Notes

Bring a lunch, plenty of water, and layered clothing to be outdoors.

Grant

Lower Crab Creek

The Lower Crab Creek Unit lies within the valley of lower Crab Creek along the steep north side of the Saddle Mountains. The wetlands and riparian areas along the creek and the seep ponds and uplands on the bench north of the creek, provide a diverse habitat for many species of wildlife.We will hike from near Jerico to possibly as far as Dry Island, and should see several salt-tolerant plant species along the way.

Sponsor

Central Washington Chapter, WNPS

Date & Time

Saturday, May 4, 2013; 8:30 AM --

Location

Meet at the west side of the Super 1 parking lot in Ellensburg at 8:30 AM. We will carpool to site.

All drivers should have a current Discover Pass. Contact the trip leader before the trip; if this year is like last year, there could be some destination changes. This is an all-day hike; bring lunch and water.

Grays Harbor

Lake Quinalt and Rain Forest

The finest temperate rainforest is at the foot of the Olympic Mountains. The natural history of the old growth forest will be emphasized on short hikes with views of majestic trees, forest birds, and breeding habitat for owls and murrelets. Birds possible seen include: Steller's Jay, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, and Pacific Wren. With luck, we may also find American Dipper, Gray Jay, and Merlin. Field trip leaders: Mary O'Neil and Janet Strong.

Island

Jefferson

Kah Tai Prairie Preserve

Maybe you didn’t know there was a remnant prairie in the middle of Port Townsend, and maybe you never heard of Prairie Appreciation Day. In either case, get a glimpse of this historic landscape and native plant gem between the 5th fairway and parking lot of the golf course. Prairie species in bloom include Camas (Camassia quamash), prairie smoke (Geum triflorum), spring gold (Lomatium utriculatum), and death camas (Zigadenus venenosus).

Sponsor

Olympic Peninsula Chapter, WNPS

Date & Time

Saturday, April 27, 2013; 10:00-11:00 am.

Location

Meet at the parking lot of the Port Townsend Golf Course by the Kah Tai Prairie kiosk.

From the prairie we will continue on to Kala Point beach strand (see below). Bring a lunch or snack for a break between the prairie and beach.

Kala Point Beach Strand

Learn about this interesting beach strands and the wildflowers that grow here.

Several of the same plants that bloom at the prairie also occur here. Among them are chocolate lily, Menzies’ larkspur and the desert-parsley. Also in abundance are sea blush, thrift, and harsh paintbrush. If there is enough interest following the beach walk we can continue on with a walk in Fort Townsend State Park from the Weinmann residence to see the Calypso orchids and some parasitic plants.

Sponsor

Olympic Peninsula Chapter, WNPS

Date & Time

Saturday, April 27, 2013; 11:30-1:00 pm.

Location

Either you can carpool from the prairie or meet at the Dream City Café at the corner of HW 19 and Prospect Rd.(across the highway from the airport) at 11:30 pm to carpool to the beach.

King

NPAW Annual Spring Garden Tour

The Indian plum is blooming as is the flowering red current. Our forbs are emerging. Spring is definitely in the air so it is time to think about attending our Native Plant Appreciation Week (NPAW) annual spring garden tour. This year is will be on April 27th and 28th. Even if you have visited some of the gardens before, gardens are ever changing. Here is a chance to see what fellow members have done with their gardens and maybe get some ideas for your garden. Or just enjoy a day looking at native plants.

Learn more about these specially designated natural resource conservation areas. The West Tiger Mountain NRCA encompasses 4,430 acres and includes

forests of variable age and composition. At the eastern limits of the Sitka spruce range, individuals occur on wet sites across Tradition Plateau. Nearby, hundred- year-old western red cedar stands have an old-growth forest structure despite the relatively young age. Actual old-growth stands more than 200-years old are found at higher elevations and consist of Douglas-fir, western redcedar, and western hemlock. The forest habitat is important for wildlife species such as cougar, bobcat, elk, and pygmy owl.

This hike you will enjoy the spring wildflowers along the Tradition Loop Trail.

Sponsor

Washington State Department of Natural Resources

Issaquah Alps Trails Club

Date & Time

Saturday, April 27th, 2013; 1:00 pm

Location

Meet: Issaquah Trail House, 175 Rainier Blvd. S., Issaquah

Contact

Dave Kappler, 425-392-3571

Notes

This is an easy hike of
5 Miles with only 600 ft elevation gain. Bring your WA Discover Pass, if you have one

Lake Wilderness Arboretum

Talk & tour the Tribal Life Trail located at Lake Wilderness Arboretum. A 30-minute talk & slide presentation will be given about native plants & their historical culture uses (ethnobotanical) by the Pacific Northwest First People describing selected plants growing on the Tribal Life Trail. The event will include a Q & A session followed by a Master Gardener led docent-tour of the Trail. The presentation will introduce participants to native plants, why they are important to all of us, and include some interesting and significant cultural uses for selected trail native plants.

Staff will showcase native plants on this hour long tour through the garden. Native plants will also be available for purchase at the nursery.

Home to one of the largest collections of species rhododendrons in the world, the garden displays over 700 of the more than 1,000 species found in the wilds of North America, Europe, and Asia, as well as the tropical regions of southeast Asia and northern Australia. Conservation has come to be a primary importance in recent years with the destruction of Rhododendron habitat in many areas of the world.

Sponsor

Rhododendron Species Botanic Garden

Date & Time

Tuesday, April 30th, 2013; 1:00 pm

Location

Rhododendron Species Botanic Garden

Directions

Located between Seattle and Tacoma, Washington.

From Seattle: Drive south on Interstate 5, take exit 143, turn left onto South 320th Street.

From Tacoma: Drive north on Interstate 5, take exit 143 and turn right onto South 320th Street.

Once on South 320th Street continue to Weyerhaeuser Way South and turn right. Drive until the road becomes a roundabout. Yield and proceed to the right, then take the second right out of the roundabout, which is a continuation of Weyerhaeuser Way South. Drive 1/4 mile to the east entrance of the Weyerhaeuser Corporate Headquarters. Follow the signs marked “Rhododendron and Bonsai Gardens.” Passengers may unload at the Visitor Drop-off which is on the left, or continue to the Garden Visitor Parking Lot (west lot) located on the right just past the pedestrian crosswalk.

Cost $10 per person, must register in advance by calling 253-838-4646 X 140. The tour may be paid at the door.

University of Washington Herbarium Tour
The University of Washington Herbarium stores over 650,000 pressed and dried
plant specimens from around the world, with an emphasis on Pacific Northwest
native plants. The Herbarium is open to the public and is an significant resource
for studying the distribution, diversity and ecology of vascular plants, lichen, fungi,
mosses, and algae. In addition to viewing the collections, learn about the
Herbarium's online resources including specimen databases, image galleries,
checklists and interactive maps.

Come on a rare free tour of the Kruckeberg Botanic Garden in Shoreline during their Demonstration Garden Dedication Ceremony. The Kruckeberg Botanic Garden is a public garden containing a unique blend of Pacific Northwest native plants and unusual exotics in a naturalistic, wooded setting. Located in Shoreline, Washington, the Garden was founded in 1958 by Dr. Arthur Kruckeberg and his wife Mareen, who amassed the plant collection over 50 years in the property surrounding their home.

KBGF and WNPS members only event, see May 4th for general public tour.

Central Native Bees and the Urban Pollination Project.

Speakers: Susan Waters and Marie Clifford

As part of our chapter’s observance of Native Plant Appreciation Week this month, our May program will celebrate the native bee pollinators who are so essential to successful plant populations and food production.

Conservation of bees is a critical part of maintaining an affordable and abundant food supply. In fact, one out of every three bites of food we eat is made possible by an insect pollinator visiting a food crop flower. To better understand how pollinator services (“buzz pollination”) from our native bumblebees are working in urban Seattle gardens, and how the bees’ efforts affect crop production, UW doctoral candidates, Marie Clifford and Susan Waters, founded the Urban Pollination Project. In their talk they will share some findings from this study and how citizen scientists are contributing to the project.

As part of her doctoral work Marie Clifford works on the co-evolutionary relationships between plants and pollinators, and the neural basis of behaviors in social insects. Susan Waters studies how native and exotic plants interact through shared pollinators, and the effect of climate change on that interaction. She is especially interested in how changes in the seasonal timing of flowering in response to climate may affect pollination.

Please join us for this inside look at Seattle’s Urban Pollination Project and at our native bumblebees.

Date & Time

Thursday, May 2, 2013 at 7:30 PM

Sponsor

Central Puget Sound Chapter, WNPS

Location

The University of Washington campus in the Center for Urban Horticulture (3501 NE 41st Street, Seattle) in the main hall (NHS Hall). (Map of campus)

The King Conservation District's Native Plant Nursery and Cooperative is a hub for native plant biodiversity. This facility holds dozens of species, including trees, shrubs, grasses, sedges, and rushes. These native plants grown from locally collected seed and bare root stock are the corner stone of conservation and ecological restoration. Learn about and actively participate in growing native plants for stream and wetland restoration projects. Activities include starting plants from seed and cuttings, and transplanting and maintaining nursery stock.

Join Caren Adams as she guides us through lowland forest along an easy trail, gaining a few hundred feet in elevation to the top of Echo Mountain where chocolate lily (Fritillaria affinis ) and fawn lily (Erythronium sp.) should be in bloom. Historically, fire was probably used by Native Americans to manage the site and a few years ago the area again burned in fire. If lake levels allow, Caren will also take the group to the fringing bog along the shore of Spring Lake.

Sponsor

Central Puget Sound Chapter, WNPS

Date & Time

Saturday, May 4, 2013; 10:00 am-

Location

King County, east of Kent Meet at the fishing access at the end of Spring Lake Drive.More about

Tadpole Haven Native Plants is normally open only by appointment but on Saturday May 4th it will be open all day, 10am-4pm, in celebration of Native Plant Appreciation Week.

Native Plants of the Kruckeberg Botanic Garden

The Kruckeberg Botanic Garden is a public garden containing a unique blend of Pacific Northwest native plants and unusual exotics in a naturalistic, wooded setting. Located in Shoreline, Washington, the Garden was founded in 1958 by Dr. Arthur Kruckeberg and his wife Mareen, who amassed the plant collection over 50 years in the property surrounding their home.

The King Conservation District's Native Plant Nursery and Cooperative is a hub for native plant biodiversity. This facility holds dozens of species, including trees, shrubs, grasses, sedges, and rushes. These native plants grown from locally collected seed and bare root stock are the corner stone of conservation and ecological restoration. Learn about and actively participate in growing native plants for stream and wetland restoration projects. Activities include starting plants from seed and cuttings, and transplanting and maintaining nursery stock.

A list of species available will be posted here closer to the sale. Come early for best selection, and bring your own trays or boxes.

Corydalis at Twin Falls

This short trail to magnifi cent waterfalls offers a selection of understory

wildflowers including the showy Scouler’s corydalis (Corydalis scouleri) which should be in bloom. Look closely and also find the maidenhair spleenwort (Asplenium trichomanes) thriving in the mists of the waterfall. The three-mile
round trip trail gains about 500 feet of elevation as it follows the north fork of the Snoqualmie River to the bridge over the twin falls.

Sponsor

CPS Chapter, WNPS

Date & Time

Sunday, May 12, 2013; 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Location

We will meet at the trailhead parking lot. Driving details will be provided at sign-up.

Bring a picnic lunch and raingear if the weather is damp. A plant list is available on the WNPS website: TwinFalls Plant List

2013 Urban Forest Symposium: Trees and Views. The issue of trees vs. views is a contentious one, pitting view seekers against tree lovers on hillsides facing mountains and water, up and down both coasts. This symposium, the first of its kind, is entirely devoted to an in-depth look at the issue.

Sponsor

Plant Amnesty, UW Botanic Gardens, City of Seattle's Office of Sustainability and Environment.

Kitsap

Kittitas

Ancient Lakes

The Ancient Lakes are on the Babcock Bench in the north end of the Quincy Wildlife Area. These wetlands, ponds and lakes have added an important diversity to the habitat of this area. Most of this unit is well vegetated with perennial plants. Big sage/bluebunch wheatgrass is the most common plant community. There are a variety of other native shrub-steppe communities in areas where the soil is scarce.

Sponsor

Central Washington Chapter, WNPS

Date & Time

Saturday, April 20, 2013; 8:30 AM --

Location

Meet at the west side of the Super 1 parking lot in Ellensburg. Group will carpool to the Quincy Wildlife Area parking. lot. Babcock Bench is about four miles to the lakes from the parking area and it is mostly level, but we probably won't walk that far.

All drivers should have a current Discover Pass. Contact the trip leader before the trip; if this year is like last year, there could be some destination changes. This is an all-day hike; bring lunch and water.

A walk with the WNPS board members who will have attended the board meeting in Ellensburg the previous day. Everyone is welcome to attend. We will see how the plants along Hayward Road are recovering from the effects of the Taylor Bridge fire.

Sponsor

Central Washington Chapter, WNPS

Date & Time

Sunday, April 28, 2013; 8:30 AM --

Location

Hayward Road: Meet at the west side of the Super 1 parking lot in Ellensburg.

The Lower Crab Creek Unit lies within the valley of lower Crab Creek along the steep north side of the Saddle Mountains. The wetlands and riparian areas along the creek and the seep ponds and uplands on the bench north of the creek, provide a diverse habitat for many species of wildlife.We will hike from near Jerico to possibly as far as Dry Island, and should see several salt-tolerant plant species along the way.

Sponsor

Central Washington Chapter, WNPS

Date & Time

Saturday, May 4, 8:30 AM --

Location

Meet at the west side of the Super 1 parking lot in Ellensburg at 8:30 AM. We will carpool to site.

All drivers should have a current Discover Pass. Contact the trip leader before the trip; if this year is like last year, there could be some destination changes. This is an all-day hike; bring lunch and water.

Klickitat

Columbia Hills State Park

Come enjoy springtime in the Columbia Gorge with a wildflower hike at Columbia Hills State Park. Experience brilliant balsamroot carpeting the eastern Gorge hillsides and many other spring wildflowers. Staff from the Department

of Natural Resources will lead a short hike around the Dalles Mountain Ranch.

Sponsor

Natural Areas Program,

Washington State Department of Natural Resources

Date & Time

Saturday, May 4, 9:00 AM -- 12:00 PM

Location

Directions to Dalles Mt. Ranch- From the junction of 197 and Hwy 14, drive east on Hwy 14 for 1 mile. Take a left on Dalles Mountain Road. Follow for 3 miles. The Dalles Mountain ranch will be on the left.

Pacific

Pierce

Spring Native Plant and Bird Walk.

Nell Batker will lead the tour through a demonstration backyard habitat with trails and signs. Find out about native plants for creating your own backyard habitat. Event coincides with the Tahoma Audubon's Spring Open House.

Directions: From Highway 16 (either direction) take the Jackson Ave exit and head south. Turn left onto S. 27th, and then turn right onto Morrison Road - look for a small street tucked between Brassfield's Spa and the Willow Tree Nursery. The parking lot is on the left side of the street just past the speed bump.

Contact

253-565-9278

Notes

Native Plant Walk with Stream Team

Join Stream Team in a native plant walk along Silver, Meeker and Clarks creeks in Puyallup. The team will highlight native plants, their habitat and threats to their survival. Let us show you our restoration practices, our successes (and failures). We'll show you birds and other wildlife that frequent these native plant areas and finish with an opportunity for folks to help newly installed native vegetation grow by clearing grass from small native plants.

Washington is known as the Evergreen State. Want to learn more about our native conifers? WNPS member, Cyndy Dillon will display native conifers and answer native plant questions in the entrance to the Gig Harbor Library.

Sponsor

Gig Harbor Public Library

South Sound Chapter, WNPS

Date & Time

Monday, April 29th, 2013; 12:00 pm -- 2:00 pm

Location

Gig Harbor Library

4424 Pt. Fosdick Dr., Gig Harbor

Directions: From Route 16 take Olympic Drive toward the west and turn left onto Pt. Fosdick Dr. at the first traffic light, library is about 1/2 mile on the right.

Master Gardener's will focus on native plant identification and disease/insect diagnosis during a plant clinic at this park.

Tours of the Heritage Garden will also be available. The Heritage garden is a project of the Pierce County Master Gardeners. The Sehmel Farm dates back to a land grant in 1891 and was actively
farmed until the 1990’s when efforts began to preserve the site for future generations. Master gardeners began work on the Heritage Garden in 2007. The
Heritage garden is a mix of native plants, many supplied by the Master Gardeners, and nearly 50 varieties of mature rhododendrons. You can expect to see many
spring favorites including red flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum), western trillium (Trillium ovatum), service berry (Amelanchier alnifolia), and Pacific bleeding heart (Dicentra formosa). A native plant key will be available for the tour. After the tour, you can also visit the Master Gardeners’ Demonstration Garden and the three
miles of trails in the 70 acres of natural area that the park contains.

Directions: After crossing Tacoma Narrows Bridge on Route 16, take Burnham Drive exit in Gig Harbor, go around first traffic circle, taking 5th exit to cross back over the highway, and then take exit halfway around second traffic circle. At the stop sign, turn left onto Sehmel Dr and follow brown signs to Sehmel Homestead Park, going 2 miles around curves, down and up hills. Turn left onto 78th Ave, then left into Park after about 300 yards. At bottom of hill, turn right at stop sign and park near woods beyond Demo Garden fence.

Three docents will lead groups of ten through the forest, pond, dry, waterfall, woodland, meadow and alpine habitats at the Pt. Defiance Northwest Native Plant Garden (NWNPG). They will describe the history of the NWNPG and how the Tacoma Garden Club works with Metro Parks of Tacoma to maintain this 50 year old garden.

Sponsor

Tacoma Garden Club

Date & Time

Thursday, May 2 from 10am to 12 pm

Location

Take Pearl St. exit on Route 16, following signs to Pt. Defiance Zoo.
Turn left on 51st St between a nursery and the Antique Kitchen, follow signs to the park/zoo and turn left into the Mildred St entrance. Staying to the right,the Northwest Native Plant Garden will be on the right with several parking spaces available.

Contact

253-857-4003 Cyndy Dillon

Notes

Help Us Restore Healthy Native Plant Habitat

Join WNPS members who will lead a work party to remove invasive plants and install native plants at the Tacoma Nature Center. The Tacoma Nature Center sits on a71-acre nature preserve encompassing Snake Lake and the surrounding wetlands and forest. Stroll nature trails to experience native birds, animals and plants. This is a Tacoma gem worth restoring to health.

We suggest that volunteers dress in layers of older clothes
that include long pants, long sleeve shirt and a jacket. Durable footwear
such as work boots, hiking boots or old sneakers are recommended for
these events. These events take place rain or shine so please come
prepared for the weather.

Enhance Your Habitat, Landscaping with Native Plants and Food Plants
Go Native! Urban horticulturist Dana Kelley Bressette, from Woodbrook Native Plant Nursery, will introduce you to some of the best native plants and some of the easiest food plants to grow in home landscapes. She will be happy to answer questions about plant ID and cultural requirements of specific plants. Weather permitting, Dana will also lead a planting demonstration.

 Native plants require less water and maintenance and need little to no fertilizer or pesticides.
 They add beauty and interest to your yard; and attract bees, butterflies, and birds.
 Growing your own organic food is healthier for you and the environment.
 You CAN balance the needs of people while nurturing a healthy local ecology…

San Juan Island

The Conscientious Gardener

In “The Conscientious Gardener” (2011 U of CA Press), Sarah Reichard combines her years of experience as an environmental scientist and a gardener to create a comprehensive book on sustainable and responsible gardening. Filled with scientific facts, personal stories and humor, the reader can’t help but question some of their own practices and beliefs in terms of cultivating gardens and landscapes.Printable Flyer

Sponsor

San Juan Island Chapter, WNPS

Date & Time

Wednesday, April 24th, 2013; 7:00 pm

Location

Friday Harbor Grange Hall

Friday Harbor, WA

Notes

Light refreshments will be served
Open to All – Donations accepted at the door

Festival of Flowers

Celebrate Spring with the San Juan Island Historic National Park's Bloom Week. This is a weeklong festival with ranger guided walks and talks, local naturalists, wildflower photography, games and activities. For more information about events and activities.

Skagit

Spring Native Plant Sale

Spend some time shopping for native plants and enjoy a visit to a
demonstration native plant garden on site.
Expect to find a good selection of native trees, shrubs, perennials,
ground covers and ferns at the sale.

This sale benefits the Salal
Chapter of the Washington Native Plant Society.

Sponsor

Salal Chapter, WNPS

Date & Time

Saturday, April 27th, 2013; 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Location

The sale will be held at the south end of the Native Plant Garden, located south of the Master Gardener Discovery Garden at the WSU NW Research and Extension Center on State Route 536, west of Mount Vernon.

Tucked away in the lowland fields of the Skagit Valley is a labor of love and concern for native plants that manifests as an extensive and charming display. The Native Plant Garden is now a half-acre
oasis that holds the seeds for the future of native
plants in the lower Skagit Valley.

Sponsor

Salal Chapter, WNPS

Date & Time

all week, self-guided exploration

Location

The Native Plant Garden is located on the southeast corner of the Skagit
Display Gardens, 16650 State Route 536 (Memorial Highway), adjacent to
the Washington State University Research Station, a few miles west of
Mount Vernon.

Woods and open bluffs full of spring flowers, great views, and easy access makes this destination one of the best places in lowland western Washington to visit. Expect to see many showy wildflowers including common camas (Camassia quamash), chocolate lilies (Fritillaria affinis), Oregon sunshine (Eriophyllum lanatum) and sea blush (Plectritis congesta). More about.

Park entrance is on Fidalgo Island off Rosario Road just south of
Sharpe Road. Drive hwy 20 as if to Deception Pass State Park,
bearing right after Pass Lake onto Rosario Road. Park is a few
miles, on left and well marked.

Snohomish

Madison and Morgan Forest. Join the Forest Steward and local neighbors to restore and care for a great little forest on this property that was recently acquired by Everett Parks. What a great way to celebrate Earth Month!

Join us to remove invasive plants and protect the trees of this beautiful Everett Park. Lean more about urban forest restoration and the exciting work being done the the Green Everett Partnership. All are welcome!

Sponsor

Green Everett Partnership

Date & Time

Saturday, May 4th from 9am-Noon

Location

11405 W. Silver Lake Road on the northwest side of Silver Lake in South Everett

Contact

Drop-ins are welcome, but it helps with our planning if we know how many volunteers are coming. Please RSVP to greeneverett@forterra.org or call 425-238-0065

Notes

Dress for the weather, bring a water bottle and get ready to have fun! Tools and snacks provided.

Spokane

Art of Science: Botanical Illustration Past and Present

Join the Northeast Chapter of the Washington Native Plant Society and the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture (MAC) for an afternoon of science and art.

3pm, join local author, teacher and naturalist Jack Nisbet (http://jacknisbet.com/) on a narrated walk through the exhibit he curated for the MAC, 'David Douglas: A Naturalist at Work.'

4pm, enjoy a drink and light snacks during a reception showcasing Jack's published works and the botanical art of noted Lopez Island artist Dr. Linda Ann Vorobik (http://www.vorobikbotanicalart.com/).

5pm, hear Jack and Linda pair their talents to discuss the historical and modern importance of botanical illustration.

Prepare for spring wildflowers! The Northeast Chapter of the WNPS is pleased to offer a two-day workshop with Dr. Linda Ann Vorobik.

Learn the basics of creating botanical illustrations from professional botanist, botanical illustrator, and teacher Dr. Linda Ann Vorobik. All skill levels are welcome: accomplished artists can increase their knowledge of botany and skilled botanists learn drawing and painting techniques.

Day 1: Introductions and demonstrations followed by supervised drawing to create pencil drafts for watercolors; later in the morning pen & ink supplies are described and techniques are demonstrated. The afternoon consists of lecture/demonstrations on watercolor supplies and techniques followed by drawing and painting time.

Day 2: The second day includes more demonstrations followed by supervised drawing and painting. The workshop closes with a friendly critique of works produced.

Cost for this two-day workshop is $150.00 (lunches included). Please reserve your space by downloading a workshop registration form at www.nechapterwnps.org

IN THE FOOTSTEPSOF DAVID DOUGLAS

Retrace the travels of Scottish naturalist David Douglas through the Spokane country on a bus tour with Jack Nisbet, author of two books about Douglas and guest curator of the MAC’s current exhibit: David Douglas: A Naturalist at Work. For More Information

Sponsor

Museum of Arts and Culture, Spokane

Date

APRIL 20
Swanson Lakes, Twin Lakes, & Coffeepot Lake
Search for the early wildflowers and spring birds that captivated
Douglas upon his arrival in the shrub steppe in spring 1826

Date

MAY 4
Little Falls & the Mouth of the Spokane River
Visit sites where Douglas collected iconic Inland Northwest
plants and compare your sightings with entries from
his field journals.

Bring the beauty of Washington's native plants to your garden by getting your native plant needs at this sale. A good selection of choice wildflowers, ferns, ground covers, shrubs and trees will be available. This native plant sale supports the South Sound Chapter of the Washington Native Plant Society.

Sponsor

South Sound Chapter, WNPS

Date & Time

Saturday, May 4, 2013; 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Location

The sale will be held at the Capital Museum Coach House, 211 21st Ave SW, Olympia.

Join the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife in a citizen science initiative to conduct a long-term Ecological Integrity Monitoring (EIM) project on the Scatter Creek Wildlife Area. You will be provided training, and free access to the wildlife area.

WDFW's research scientists will provide Citizen Science volunteers training
on:
..Photo-point Monitoring - using your digital camera or Smart Phone to
take photos at specific GPS points using WDFW protocols, and uploading the images to a WDFW website.
.. Habitat Data Collection - record key habitat features you observe on
data collection forms and upload the information to a WDFW website.

Citizen Science volunteers: You will need a camera (digital or SmartPhone), and access to a computer website. You can elect to report data at a specific site or multiple sites.

WDFW Business Pass provided for one year entry (renewable) to
Scatter Creek Wildlife Area for citizen science purposes.

18th Annual Prairie Appreciation Day

Prairie Appreciation Day offers both an opportunity to enjoy our wonderful South Sound prairies but also an opportunity to volunteer. The annual event is held on
Glacial Heritage Preserve in Thurston County. There is an Activity Trail going across
the prairie, with a number of informative stations covering various aspects of our
South Sound prairie ecology.

A whole day of events to celebrate and learn about native prairies including prairie
wildflower walks, learn about prairie insects and pollinators, prairie birds, and prairie
geology. Get involved in a Scotch broom pull and learn about habitat restoration. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the day with the whole family. More about

Wheelchair accessible activities for individuals and groups will be available at the Washington Department of Natural Resources Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve. Mima Mounds is also an excellent area for those with less time or who want a less demanding walk. Group tours are offered at Mima Mounds. Please leave a message for the site manager at 360-902-1434 or send an email to roberta.davenport@dnr.wa.gov

Walla Walla

Whatcom

Woodstock Farm Spring Work Party

The camas we planted last year is up and thriving! Come and help us continue the long-term enhancement and protection of native vegetation in this special place. Bring your clippers and loppers for removal of invasives. Other tools will be provided. We will also take a walk around the property and look at potential planting sites for next fall.

Sponsor

Koma Kulshan Chapter

Date & Time

April 20, Saturday, 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM

Location

Meet at Woodstock Farm at 9:30 AM, the gate will be open so drive down to the house.

Contact

Call Annie Prevost at 360-714-8629 with questions.

Notes

Dress for the weather (it can be windy there) and bring lunch or snack.

Introductory Native Plant Walk at Point Whitehorn Marine Reserve

The forest floor at Point Whitehorn is carpeted with small wildflowers in the spring. Join us for a walk and learn about the flowers, shrubs and trees of this forest on the edge of the sea. The walk will take us to the beach. At this time you may choose to linger on the beach or return to the cars.

Sponsor

Koma Kulshan Chapter

Date & Time

April 28, Sunday, 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM

Location

Meet at the Point Whitehorm Marine Reserve Park. Directions: Take the Grandview Road exit on I-5, drive west on Grandview to the end, turn left (south) on Koehn Road and you will see the parking lot on the left.

These informal, easy-paced walks feature an expert guide who will introduce you to common native trees, shrubs and wildflowers, and share tidbits on ethnobotany, wildlife use, and gardening with natives. People of all ages and experience are welcome. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes that may get wet.

Vendovi Island

Vendovi is a 217 acre island south of Lummi Island being maintained in its natural state by the San Juan Preservation Trust. There are no permanent human inhabitants and no deer or other grazing mammals, so the flora is especially healthy. We will visit at the peak of bloom for camas and other wildflowers in south facing meadows, and also explore forest, wetland and shoreline habitats.

Sponsor

Koma Kulshan Chapter

Date & Time

May 4, Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM:

Location

The boat we will use to get from Bellingham to Vendovi has a limit of 12 passengers and will cost $51 per person, round trip, payable at the dock.

A presentation in conjunction with the Lynden Pioneer Museum Exhibit on Salish Bounty.

When you look out your window, have you ever wondered what you can eat from your garden? The Pacific Northwest is a treasure trove of native edible plants (and animals). Salish Bounty explores the many forms of food used by Native Americans before Europeans settled. The exhibit also discusses the importance of tradition surrounding native foods and how those traditions changed with forced relocation and cultural changes. The exhibit also looks at the local Nooksack people and discusses their special traditions, unique to their community, and the changes forced upon them in the last 150 years.

This exhibit is a must see and has many treasures to view (and smell). See a digging stick, salmon bar-b-queuing tools, gathering baskets and many other special items used for food eating, gathering and storage.

Special thank you to the Burke Museum for loaning us the exhibit and to Humanities Washington for sponsoring the exhibit.

The story of Nooksack place names and food plants will be recounted in a slide presentation by anthropologist Allan Richardson. Accurate pronunciations and additional dialogue will be provided by George Adams, language specialist with the Nooksack Tribe and the only remaining fluent speaker of the Nooksack language.

A presentation in conjunction with the Lynden Pioneer Museum Exhibit on Salish Bounty. (see above)

Explore the plants of the Sehome Hill Arboretum, a natural area in the heart of Bellingham, with guidebook author and Arboretum board member Mark Turner. Sehome Hill was logged in the early 20th century and is becoming a mature second-growth forest. We'll look at trees, shrubs, and wildflowers. Learn what's native and what's not.

Meet in the parking area at the top of Arboretum Drive (off Bill McDonald Parkway)

Notes

No cost, no registration required. Just show up at the parking area. These informal, easy-paced walks feature an expert guide who will introduce you to common native trees, shrubs and wildflowers, and share tidbits on ethnobotany, wildlife use, and gardening with natives. People of all ages and experience are welcome. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes that may get wet.